Damian Lillard has long been adamant that he has no plans of leaving the Portland Trail Blazers. But that isn't stopping teams from eyeing him for their own roster.
The Blazers star's availability is now reportedly being closely followed by NBA teams, including ones in “top markets”, as speculation has loomed since their first-round exit. This comes via report from The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jason Quick.
“Sources say several NBA teams — including those in the top markets — are already intensely monitoring this situation in Portland and how it develops to look for an opening to make trade offers.”
The news is coming hot and heavy just as the Blazers agreed to part ways with long-time coach Terry Stotts. Damian Lillard entered the NBA at the same time that Stotts became Portland's head coach, meaning he's never had a different voice from the bench throughout his nine-year career.
While the turnover could be seen as a new era for the Blazers, clearly some believe that the mess could be a sign of wholesale changes. Ones that could involve their sought-after franchise player. Damian Lillard, however, has said or done nothing directly to suggest any desire to leave Portland. In fact, he lamented his coach's departure and has given his input on who he wants replacing him on the sidelines.
“I feel down about it, because I’m not much a fan of change,” Lillard said. “And every memory of mine in this uniform includes him.”
Going even further than that, every memory of his career was in that very same uniform, period. The man just said he isn't a fan of change. While the top teams can dream about a blockbuster Damian Lillard trade, there seem to be no clear signs of a move beyond teams around the league being interested, as they should be. Until Damian Lillard wants out himself, the Blazers will be happy to keep him.
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